Féeries d’Hiver in Valence, France Atrium Hotel

Féeries d’Hiver in Valence, France

In 2020, because of the Coronavirus epidemic, the Féeries d’Hiver, Valence’s Winter Festival, had to be cancelled. But this year, the winter festivities can finally resume for the pleasure of the inhabitants and visitors of the Drôme region. To celebrate, the municipality is preparing a magical fireworks display for December 4!

A Triumphant Return

From November 20, the Ferris wheel will be back in operation next to the monumental fountain. Don’t miss out on the beauty of all the illuminated structures in the town centre, as well as the Christmas village with its many chalets. You will have to wait until December 4 to admire the great costume parade, which will be orchestrated by the Amicale laïque Thibert-Châteauvert. And in the evening, turn your gaze to the sky and let the fireworks on the Champ de Mars amaze you.

The 7th edition of the Féeries d’Hiver will be similar to the previous ones. There will be no big changes, as the event works well and everyone is happy to enjoy these festivities again and again. What will change is the cultural and entertainment activities, which will be more diversified. The Christmas village will host more chalets as well. And the Valence fireworks will be much more spectacular.

A Spectacular Fireworks Display

To make up for all the fireworks that were cancelled because of the Coronavirus, the municipality has decided to devote a larger budget to the fireworks on December 4. It will be €25,000 instead of the usual €15,000 spent on organising an amazing light show for Valence’s inhabitants and visitors. And it’s worth it, as that the event will attract over 40,000 spectators. This year, Valence’s fireworks display will be longer and more impressive!

This year, for the first time, you will be able to order gift vouchers to be used on the moncoeurvalence.fr platform. The platform brings together 200 shopkeepers from the centre of Valence, enough to find presents for everyone this Christmas 2021.

As far as the health situation is concerned, it is important to know that during the Féeries d’Hiver in Valence, barrier measures will still be essential and must be respected to ensure the safety of all. It is therefore strongly advised not to watch the fireworks while standing too close to your neighbour.

A Magical Winter in Valence

Valence is a diamond in the rough that is well worth discovering. It is the best starting point for venturing into the French Alps. This winter, if you are lucky enough to spend a few days in Valence, we advise you to take the opportunity to explore the beauty of a region dominated by adorable villages and lavender fields. Below, we will tell you all about the best places to see if you are in the Drôme during the winter season.

Romans: The Capital of Footwear

Only 20 km from Valence is Romans-sur-Isère, a town best known for its tradition of luxury shoe manufacturing. For this reason, it is not surprising that one of its main attractions is the Shoe Museum, where you can witness the evolution of this indispensable item in our lives. While you are there, head to the historical centre, where monuments such as the Collégiale Saint-Barnard, the Calvaire des Récollets or the slender Tour Jacquemart await you.

Montélimar: The Best Destination for Nougat Lovers

Heading south, you’ll come across Montélimar, a destination for the most gourmet of palates. It certainly deserves its nickname as the capital of nougat. If you start to explore it, you cannot miss the Château des Adhémar, located in the upper part of the town. And, of course, don’t leave without visiting a nougat factory.

La Garde-Adhémar : A Stone Village

La Garde-Adhémar is not far from Montélimar and is in fact considered one of the most beautiful villages not only in the Drôme region, but in the whole of France. Its cobbled streets and white facades have a medieval style, overlooking the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the church of Saint-Michel and the herb garden, full of aromas and colours!

Grignan: A Beautiful Castle

Finally, we recommend a visit to Grignan, one of the most charming towns in the region. The Provençal-style castle is the largest Renaissance fortress in the country, and you might just fall in love with it. The Collégiale Saint-Sauveur is also a must-see, but you’ll be especially delighted to lose yourself in its flowery streets!

Now you know what to do this winter in Valence!